How to Spend 3 Days in the Blue Mountains

Home to nature-rich forests, dramatic canyons, and waterfalls, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park lets you enjoy Australia’s natural beauty without having to travel far from Sydney. Three days give you ample time to explore corner of the region; here’s how. 

Day 1: Enjoy Mother Nature

A tour of the Blue Mountains’ natural wonders lets you skip the hassle of car hire while ensuring that you don’t miss any of the most important landmarks, which include the Three Sisters Viewpoint and Echo Point. For a more flexible approach, travel around the main attractions at your own pace on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which typically depart from Katoomba Railway Station.

In the afternoon, embark on an easy hike from Leura Cascades to Bridal Veil Falls or opt for the more challenging Echo Point Trail, in which the Giant Stairway leads to the Three Sisters. Afterward, head back into Katoomba for dinner; on Katoomba Street, you’ll find restaurants that serve everything from high-end Australian and French cuisine to casual pub grub.

Day 2: Take to the Sky

Start your day in Leura, a town that’s nicknamed the Jewel of the Mountain’s Crown. Enjoy breakfast at one of Leura Mall’s cafés and then wander around the shops and galleries that line the streets. 

Devote the afternoon to Scenic World, which encompasses the Scenic Skyway, Scenic Cableway, Scenic Walkway, and Scenic Railway. Armed with an all-day pass, enjoy unlimited access to all of its attractions. Ride the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest incline railway; hike the 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) Scenic Walkway, an elevated boardwalk that passes over rainforest; and enjoy views of Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, and Jamison Valley aboard the Scenic Cableway or Scenic Skyway.

Day 3: Get a Taste of Adventure

Conclude your visit to the Blue Mountains with some adventure. Explore the UNESCO-listed Jenolan Caves on a tour that takes you down 1,298 stairs into the 340 million-year-old labyrinth. Alternatively, opt for an abseiling tour—which offers unparalleled views of the area’s natural surroundings as you rappel down cliffs—or a canyoning adventure that lets you descend to Juggler Canyon, the Blue Mountains' equivalent to the Grand Canyon. If you can’t decide, look for tours that combine two or more activities into one trip.

Round out your day with a trip to Wollemi National Park, where you can discover its nocturnal wildlife on a tour. You’ll look for, and learn about, wombats, sugar gliders, kangaroos, owls, and more on a guided night walk.